Tattoos: Attention Seeking or Self Expression Part 2

In Part 1 of this topic I addressed the issue of non-tattooed individuals thinking of tattoos as “graffiti” on the skin of those of us that are tattooed. In Part 2 I want to address the notion that all of us with tattoos are “attention seeking” and that that’s it in a nutshell. No other reason to get a tattoo is there?

I cannot speak for everyone with a tattoo but I personally have mine for a variety of reasons. My first tattoo is a tribal style butterfly on my inside right ankle. I see butterflies as a symbol of change and growth and this butterfly was chosen to represent my own personal change and as a reminder of that.

My second tattoo is also a butterfly sitting on a flower vine with my daughter’s name underneath. This is located on the inside of my left wrist since this is the side closest to my heart. Now I love my son as well but my daughter is my first child and only girl. This tat is symbolic of her growth from a child to womanhood and into her own person yet the vine/flower is the connection to me, her mother.

My third tattoo is the Geisha on my back which is my largest tattoo (at least to date) and represents ultimate femininity and gracefulness all of which I am not. I have always been more of a tomboy and a total klutz. My Geisha represents what I sometimes wish I could be, a total “girly-girl” and my longing for something I will never be.

All of these tattoos can be covered up though the tats on my ankle and wrist are usually visible but they don’t jump out at you. They are definitely not what you would classify as “in your face” at all. Most people don’t even realize that I have tattoos so how is getting a tattoo attention seeking behavior?

Attention Seeking:

People craving attention can use any number of ways to receive it from clothing and hairstyle choices, acting up or acting out behaviors, and yes, piercings and/or tattoos. But to call any form of self expression as being attention seeking is ludicrous and just plain dumb.

For example:

Once upon a time any man with a crew cut was a military man and any shaven headed man was a racist “skinhead”. Women with long hair and makeup were feminine and heterosexual and any woman with extremely short hair and no makeup had to be a lesbian. Sad part is that some people still believe this outdated stereotyping. I know – I don’t wear makeup (very rarely) and have had extremely short hair styles as well as not normally wearing dresses or super feminine style clothing. Some people during my life have thought I was gay solely based on appearances.

Now I’m also not dumb enough to state that no one with tattoos is ever seeking attention. All one has to do is see someone like this to know that is not the case:

I see this as both a form of self expression and attention seeking since it is very “in your face” and you will see the tattoos and piercings prior to seeing the actual person she really is. Yes, she chose this and while I don’t agree with someone doing this to themselves I defend their right to do it.

But how is this attention seeking?

This is a lovely tattoo which can be and probably is, covered up and not visible at all times. It is artistic and probably symbolic or meaningful to the wearer.

Most tattooed people enjoy the art and share their love of it by wearing it on their skin. What is the difference – other than the permanency of it – from someone choosing hairstyles and/or clothing to express their individuality or self expression.

Goth in the extreme:

Semi-Goth and more acceptable:

Is the first one attention seeking? Sure, but it is also a form of self expression just done in the extreme. Any “style” can and is done in varying levels of extremism from mild to “in your face” whether it is more normal and mainstream styles up to and including fringe styles. To lump everyone not fitting into the narrow definition of normal (what is “normal” anyway?) is being very dismissive of whole sections of the human population.

What do you think when you see these individuals? Are you sure you are right? Are they seeking attention or just forms of self expression?

We are all unique individuals with our own preferences, styles and form of self expression. What a dull and boring world we would have if this were not true. Try and see people for who they are not to try and pigeon hole them by what they wear, how they are dressed or whether they have piercings or tattoos. Enjoy the uniqueness of life and don’t be afraid to be an individual. If someone laughs or points a finger than they have a problem not you. While we will not all agree on all styles or extremes of styles, let us agree that we can disagree and we can all express ourselves how we choose to especially in the United States of America.

7 responses to “Tattoos: Attention Seeking or Self Expression Part 2”

I think it’s self-expression for most people, but has turned into a rite of passage and quite mainstream within the last several years. You turn 18, you get a tattoo. It used to be that you turned 18 and went to an adult store. LOL

Thank you, I really like it. You would be surprised though how many people still have problems with people -especially women – having tattoos. I hope that someday soon people can look past the tats and see the person. Maybe if more people would ask what is behind someone’s ink. I have no problem answering that question if asked.

What a wonderful post – I have found this really empowering, and you have given my confidence a real boost. I really agree that we should concentrate on the inner person.

I knew a woman who had quite a few piercings on her face and the things people said about her were awful, but I got to know her briefly when we both went on a course and she was really lovely.

Would you believe that when I started looking for work again Rachel had to assign a special key worker to me because as soon as an employer asked why I had a two year employment gap they didn’t want to know. One interviewer actuallly stopped the interview there and then.

I am so proud of you for having your tattoos and I only wish I was brave enough to take the plunge myself – maybe one day. I get so annoyed when people only see the cover and not bother to read the story, so much talent and enthusiasm must have been wasted because of this.

I am all for individuality and those who look for a different path to follow, can you imagine how dull this world would be if we all looked, acted and thought the same.

Thank you so much – your post has really made me feel good and strong about myself, and should anyone not like the look I am experimenting with, well as you say that is their problem not mine.

Thanks Sandy, I always look forward to your visits and comments especially since you seem to get me and lots of people don’t :0)

We all need to step back and not judge someone by the “look” they choose but to see the true person. In this country we still tend to judge individuals by looks, style choices and most unfortunately, still by skin color. One day people will look back on this time in history and shake their heads in wonder that we could be so foolish.

this was great to read. I firmly believe this ink trend isn’t going away and the sooner people get used to the idea the better. Another big evolution of public mindset if you will.. My nana got her first tattoo as her 50th bday present – a big heart on her arm with a different color outline for each of her kids and grandkids.. It’s beautiful.

I’m 23 with ten (large) tattoos and many piercings. I get a kick out of the misconceptions and assumptions that people make when initially meeting me – but I prefer them to being seen first as just T&A.

I got my first tat when I was 50 as well and now have four and will add another one at the end of the month. Tattoos are very addictive I will agree because I always see a style that I like or have a reason to add another one since I tend to be symbolic with my choices of tattoos.

Ink is going to be more prevalent and the general population had better get used to it.